TWO'S A PAIR, THREE'S A COLLECTION!

Since the beginning of time, humans have collected things of interest to them. Many of these collectibles such as precious stones and metals later were used for trade. As far back as the Renaissance (14th to 17th century), there have been documented collections of items such as books, art, and Greek and Roman antiquities. In the 18th century religious iconography was heavily collected throughout Europe. In the young nation of the United States, handcrafted wares such as wooden bowls and quilts were collected and passed down generations. Today, more than ever, people collect. Everything that you can imagine can be, and probably is collected. There are unlimited sources for finding what you desire, and innumerable collectibles within every budget.

WHY HAVE A COLLECTION?

You might wonder why have a collection? There are many reasons to have collections. As a designer, I find collections add character and interest to a space. They give a place for the eye to focus on detail. Often we scan a space with our eyes, seeking out something that piques our interest. This can be a simple button collection that has been wonderfully framed or tin toys from the early 20th century displayed on a shelf. Collections can preserve history or memories of special events. They can give you a hobby, and can lead to great adventures seeking out that ‘perfect’ find.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A COLLECTION?

Simple answer…EVERYONE! Whether you think of yourself as a collector or not, you more than likely have a collection of something. As children we start collecting: rocks, toy cars, dolls, coins, stamps, books, etc. To a child these collections can be the most important things in their lives. They form a passion for seeking out the item to complete their collection, only to find out that there is always something more to add. As adults, we too collect. These collections can be unintended such as jewelry or as intentional as a mantle adorned with antique silver candlesticks. “A Passion for Collecting: Decorating with Your Favorite Objects” (Bullfinch Press), divides collectors into nine distinct groups: the Antiquarians, Explorers, Inheritors, Perfectionist, Naturalist, Utilitarians, Enthusiast, Decorators, and Miniaturist. Most people fall into a couple, if not a few of these classifications.

WHAT SHOULD I COLLECT?

Simple answer again…ANYTHING! Many times we start a collecting without ever thinking that it will be a collection. Often while on a vacation one picks up some kind of a souvenir and on the next vacation finds themselves getting something similar. One might go to the ocean and collect seashells or to a flea market in Paris seeking out vintage picture frames. Whatever one chooses to collect, do it with passion. Find something that you truly have interest in, and it will become your passion. When collecting, there are considerations to keep in mind, with the most important being budget. Having a passion for collecting that you can’t afford will only bring disappointment when you find that ‘perfect’ piece. The second most important consideration is space to house your collection. If your collection is buttons, that will take up very little space compared to 18th century crockery. Have fun with whatever you chose and don’t be afraid to collect the unexpected. Below are numerous pictures of things that my clients, others and I have collected, each different and personal.

HOW DO I DISPLAY A COLLECTION?

There are many ways to display collections, but I have one caveat: group your collection TOGETHER! This cannot be understated. Often people who collect place the items all over the house thus becoming very kitschy. By grouping collections, one can focus on the characteristic similarities and differences amongst the collection. They will also have a stronger impact in the room. Smaller items can be in a bowl or basket on a table, larger items can be displayed on dedicated shelves, unadulterated by other items. Display cases are an effective way of displaying items as long as nothing else is in the case. Often taking your small items to a framer to be shadow-box framed is the best way to give a big impact. Below are some pictures of collections displayed in different ways creating drama and impact. Find a collection that you can grow with time, allowing space for future acquisitions. If your collection grows larger than you have space to display, be willing to thin out your collection, keeping the very best and selling off or gifting to others for their own collections.

A collection of stone spheres placed on the floor to create visual interest
©Terrance Mason Interiors

 

A wall mounted display case houses a collection of Vitra Miniature Chairs
©Terrance Mason Interiors

Onyx, Silver and Semi-precious Stone Mayan Bust are elegantly displayed using Lucite risers
©Terrance Mason Interiors

A grouping of sparkling crystal candlesticks create drama on this dining room table
©Terrance Mason Interiors

Glass and stone hearts beautifully displayed in this large bowl
©Terrance Mason Interiors

This shadow-box frame is perfect for displaying glass hearts
©Terrance Mason Interiors

Simple white shelves are used to highlight this architectural collection

©Terrance Mason Interiors

A fantastic whimsical collection of blown glass grouped together on top of a bookcase creates a a wonderful play of light and color
©Terrance Mason Interiors

A wonderful collection of green glass vases displayed on a shelf with plastic boxes as risers

©Terrance Mason Interiors

This grouping of "Conway" black framed convex mirrors float with such abandon over this sofa
from the Mitchel Gold +Bob Williams accessory line

Harmoniously framed butterflies create a dramatic collection

in this Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams display

Plate rails were used here to create a gallery of assorted black framed artwork
©Terrance Mason Interiors

This niche was a perfect place to hang this collection of Deruta Pottery

©Terrance Mason Interiors

WHERE TO FIND COLLECTIBLES

Collectibles can be found just about anywhere one would look. The right collectible for you might take a little time to seek out. Often I find that nicer furniture stores have already created collections in their displays ready to take home. Many of my favorite places to look are your local import stores, which can have a plethora of items to start or add to an existing collection. For those of you more adventurous, I recommend yard sales, flea markets, and internet sites such as EBay. The pictures below are just a few examples of collectibles that I saw one afternoon on a walk. However you choose to collect, do it with passion and you will have something that you, your loved ones and guest will enjoy for years to come!

Ultra Thin Colored Glass Bottles displayed at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Stunning display of assorted Mirrors from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Brilliant Blue and White Porcelains from Cargo

Baskets adorned with Shells from Cargo

Antique Deities found at Cargo

RECOMMENDED READING ON COLLECTING

Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, "The Comfortable Home" (Melcher Media, 2009)

Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, "Let's Get Comfortable" (Meredith Books, 2007)

Karen Wheeler, "Living With Art" (Carlton Books, 2000)



Carolyn Clifton-Mogg, "A Passion for Collecting" (Bulfinch Press, 2002)

For more information on any of the shown above items, please contact me at:
tm@terrancemasoninteriors.com

BLING FOR YOUR CRIB

After recently finding out that four of my readers are pregnant, I started thinking about some nursery ideas. Although no one quite knows when the first nursery was designed, as with most design, it was most likely commissioned for royalty. In addition to the newborn child, the nurse or nursemaid would sleep in the room to tend to the needs of the child. Although most people do not employ nursemaids today, we still follow the tradition of designing a room dedicated to the expected child.
The focus of any nursery is the crib. Historical references to a child’s sleeping place go back thousands of years and denote many forms. The first references were of cradles made of woven reeds or logs that were hollowed out. Later in time, more ornate beds were constructed often with elaborate detailing. Although many crude vernacular cradles and cribs can still be found at flea markets around the world, few fine examples of infant’s beds have survived from past centuries. Following are a few exquisite historic examples:

Renaissance cradle from Tuscany, Italy (c. 1570), made of carved walnut at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia

Infant’s bed made of paneled oak, decorated with ebony (c. 1620-1650) at The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Baroque cradle from the island of Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, under Dutch rule in the Seventeenth Century made for a Dutch family, constructed from ebony and ivory (second half of 17th century) at The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

18th century wooden cradle from the Ottoman Empire, carved wood, gold plated and festooned with 2,000 gems of diamond, ruby, and emerald, on display at The Treasures of the Topkapi Palace and the Magnificent Ottoman Dynasty’ exhibition in Tokyo

Crib commissioned in 1811 by Napoleon for his only legitimate son, ‘The King of Rome’ at The Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer in Vienna

To this day, expecting parents still take great pleasure picking out the ‘perfect’ crib for their babies. There are many things to consider when making your selection. Although, as a designer, I am very interested in the style, the most important thing to take into consideration is safety when selecting a crib. For the latest in safety recommendations, please refer to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Crib Safety and SIDS Reduction.
After safety has been taken into account, the fun can begin. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of cribs on the market. Cribs come in about every color imaginable, and shapes include rectangular, oval and round. Many have added features such rolling, folding and converting into a bed. Make sure to choose a bed that is appropriate in scale to the room in which it will be located.
There are many considerations to designing a nursery. Most expecting mothers and fathers start by picking a theme based on a variety of subjects, such as a nursery rhyme, sports or little princess. Once the theme has been decided, a crib can be selected. Additionally, other furniture for the room, paint color(s), and soft furnishings can be chosen. Although no one today would likely ever have a crib made with such opulence as those pictured above, there is a way to get some real bling in the room--lighting, which many times is overlooked in the overall design of a nursery. While many nursery showrooms feature lighting that matches the bedding, I often look elsewhere for other ideas, creating a wider selection of options for my clients. I encourage my clients to be sure to consider the ceiling height when making lighting selection. Considerations in selecting a lamp are theme, shape, scale, and pattern.
What follows are some cribs that I love, which I have paired with bling lighting that is at once fun and light-hearted. I often tell my clients that every room should have a little whimsy, and a nursery is no exception. So whether it is you or your designer who is creating your nursery, infuse it with a healthy dose of caprice and HAVE FUN!

PURE ELEGANCE

Beloved Crib from Luxury Lamb
Zanetti Lamp from Cyan Design


NATURALLY MODERN Roh Crib from Spot On Square
Bamboo Stem Lamp from Elk

LITTLE PRINCESS

Pumpkin Crib from Corsican
Pink Blossom Lamp from Moss

COASTAL

myHaven Crib from Young America
Trinidad Lamp from Quoizel


GREAT OUTDOORS

Baby’s Retreat Crib from Luxury Lamb

Canoe Lamp from Meyda


LEATHER AND CHROME

Sandra Crib from Miguel
Zion Lamp from ET2

GLAMOROUS

Sophistication Black Crib from Luxury Lamb
Mirror Ball Lamp from Meyda

PIRATES OF THE CRIB

Spanish Galleon Crib from Bograd Kids
Crystal Ship Lamp from Z Gallerie


SLATS
Studio Crib from Nurseryworks
Cascata Lamp from http://www.meyda.com/consumer/index.asp


CAROUSEL
Carousel Rocking Horse Crib from Little Miss Liberty
Plume Lamp from ET2

RACE CARS

Race Car Iron Canopy Crib from Luxury Lamb
Race Car Lamp from Elk

SIMPLY WHITE

Lola Crib from Tulip
Tessera Lamp from PLC

For more information on any of the items shown above, please contact me at:
tm@terrancemasoninteriors.com